Al Grygo

Affectionately known as “Toughie,” Al Grygo was one of the best athletes to come out of the east side in the 1930’s.

After starring for Lowell Drake’s football and track teams in the late 30’s, Al was a two-time All Southern Conference football selection at the University Of South Carolina, and earned All-American honors his senior year as a halfback and defensive back.

He went on to star for two seasons with the Chicago Bears of the NFL, starting on both offense and defense, plus returning punts and kickoffs.

His spectacular career came to a sudden end when he was diagnosed with heart disease after his second season with the Bears. He went onto coach football at South Carolina and was the longtime head of the South Carolina parole department before heart disease claimed his life at age 53.